2019 Testimonials

Thanks a million to the entire VITAS team. We appreciate the personal concern everyone has shown my family. You have been so kind and caring that we have felt right at home while here in Broward County.

Anthony M.

Broward County, FL

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My brother was there only overnight, but the social worker kept me informed of his care. He died the next day, and she was very helpful to me in making the decisions. I just received a commemorative letter recognizing his service to his country. This meant so much to me and my husband. It is wonderful to have such caring people. Thank you.

Maryann T.

Philadelphia

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The VITAS team showed us kindness and all the team members were personally concerned with my mom's well being. Thank you so very much VITAS.

Anthony M.

Volusia, Flagler and Putnam Counties

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Kris did a great job. He went above and beyond. Everyone was kind and treated me and my family with love and respect.

Juan V.

San Diego

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Just wanted to thank everyone who took care of my husband. They made him very comfortable during his passing. Thanks to all the wonderful night nurses and day CNAs and also the nurse in charge. You were so wonderful to me.

Christine W.

Brevard County

My mom was a resident of Penney Retirement Community in Penney Farms, Florida. When it became apparent that she was losing her grip on life at age 96, I was referred to VITAS out of Jacksonville. From the first intake staff member, to her team nurse Kim, to the staff I spoke to when we had a problem, and the nurses that responded to our needs, I was so impressed with the efficiency and caring that I witnessed.

When a change in medication was needed, the doctor on call would always be available to the nurse making the request. When someone needed to come out and evaluate the situation, someone always came, whether it was Kim during the day or the nurse on call. Even though we did not take advantage of personnel to come and bathe her, since her caregivers at her facility wanted that privilege, it was nice to know it was offered.

Thank you, VITAS, for making the last 2 months of my mom’s life more comfortable.

Nancy E.

Jacksonville

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My father was under the care of your hospice for a few days and passed away this past Saturday afternoon. The tender and loving care from Polly and the chaplain and the hospice RN was above excellent—so appreciated in our time of grieving. Thank you so much for taking such loving care of my daddy in his last moments.

Elisabeth T.

Los Angeles and Ventura Counties

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Office 709 providers went above and beyond in all areas! They were so kind, professional, knowledgeable, and genuine! My grandpa was Ronald J.

Jill C.

Chicagoland

My mom was in need of hospice care, and I could not have asked for a better choice than VITAS. So caring, compassionate. From the chaplain to the nurses to the front office. Awesome people.

Sandra S.

San Diego

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My family and I became part of the VITAS family last week for my uncle, who could not overcome his age and health issues while at Medical City Arlington. Irene, Admissions Nurse and Angel on Earth, could not have been more helpful and caring for us all. The hospice experience is not something anyone wants their loved one to have to do because we never want to say goodbye, but Irene and VITAS made a difference in the life of our loved one and our family that made the end of life peaceful and painless and comforted us all throughout. Cannot thank you enough...!

Jacqueline F.

Dallas and Fort Worth

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My husband was under continuous care for 12 days, and every single person that came to care for him was extremely competent and compassionate. The nurses are all truly angels. The case workers and the doctor were very informative, helpful and compassionate, as well. I am truly grateful to have had this wonderful organization assist me and my family in our time of need. The end of my husband's life would have so much harder without them. Thank you all so much for your love, compassion and commitment. You are truly providing a great service to this community.

Vickie S.

Treasure Coast

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We wanted to move my wife home from the hospital. We turned to the VITAS organization associated with the Sentra Hospital, Woodbridge, Va. The contacts were in the hospital, so discussing the services VITAS provides was very easy. Once the decision to move my wife from the hospital, VITAS literally took it from there. The hospital contacts keep me informed. Transportation, the bed in our home, home health aides and nurses were all arranged.

Although my wife passed quickly, the services that were provided were excellent, in particular, the access to nurses. Several times in the middle of the night I called, and a nurse came to the house to observe my wife's condition and to answer my questions. This was very typical of the support I received. Without the access to the nurses and their hotline, I would have been lost. Thank you so much for the care you provided my wife and me.

Bing H.

Virginia and Washington D.C.

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When my mom was in the hospital and not doing well, one of the doctors suggested we meet with a doctor from VITAS. We did, and he felt that we were not ready yet for their services; he said we'd know when we were ready. A week later, we contacted them and put her into VITAS hospice care. She passed after a couple of weeks, but the staff took us through all of the phases of what was going on and what we were going through. They were so compassionate and caring up to and after she passed. They have contacted me in the month since she passed a couple of times to see how I am doing and to ask if I need any of the grief services that they provide. Needing hospice is not a fun thing, but they definitely make this sad journey easier.

Randy K.

Broward County, FL

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I had to put my aunt on hospice after her body was not strong enough to handle dialysis anymore. So I called VITAS to help me through the process. I have never been in that kind of situation, so obviously I was very nervous and not sure what to expect, and felt very alone in the situation. But after calling VITAS, everything changed. They did an awesome job at sending me the right people at any time I needed. So I felt some support that allowed me to make it to the end.

They were very informative on the phone, and in person as well. Camille was an excellent nurse – so caring, so informative and patient. Meagan was wonderful on her visit to provide information and brought me educational brochures for future use. Emily, can't say enough about her – she was full of kindness, experience and knowledge. Never seen anyone bathe and tend to a sick person with such an ability and kindness. Really, everyone was just excellent. I would recommend VITAS Healthcare to anyone in need of medical help with their loved ones... Call them and tell them your situation, and they will tell you how they can help, it's an excellent service provider. Thank you, VITAS, for all you did to make my aunt’s departure smooth and my dealing with the matter easier. God is good and knew who I needed.

Patricia W.

Houston

On behalf of our family, we want to extend our sincerest thanks to Team #1163 for having been so unbelievably and incredibly kind with my father during his last moments. The CNAs, the nurses, the doctors, the chaplain – everyone gave us their very best, not only in caring for my ailing father but also in caring for my mother, who most certainly needed support.

My father passed away with love in his heart and joy in his soul, of this we are certain. Thank you again and may God always give your employees the fortitude and grace to do such important work.

Yvonne C.

Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties

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Our family is forever grateful to the VITAS staff members who came into our home to care for my husband.

Each person you chose was outstanding and we will always remember the love and compassion they all shared with us during this difficult time. May God bless all of you always!

Joyce P.

Palm Beach County

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We had the pleasure of working with team 937. Jan and her team came to us during a very hard time. They all came together to make our journey easier. They held our hands literally and figuratively throughout the last days of my baby boy's life. They knew when we needed them and also when we needed to be alone. Jan, Carly, Connie, John, Suzanne, Peggy and all the therapists that came by, they all became part of our circle. They were and are the people we turned to for everything we need. From healing my son's wounds to playing music for him and my daughter, they thought of everything. While I wish we were never in this position, I cant imagine not having this team with us, we are so grateful and feel blessed to have had all of them by our side, guiding us.

Ericka L.

Orange County, CA

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I would like to thank VITAS for the care they provided my wife and I in her last days. The whole team was very caring and treated us with dignity and respect. I would particularly like to thank Bill D., Kathy L., and Chaplin John for all the care and comfort they provided us. They were excellent people to work with at this time of stress. I also have praise for the on-call nurses who came in the middle of the night and weekends. Also the very courteous drivers who delivered the medical equipment.

Steven P.

Chicagoland

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I wanted to thank the VITAS team who took care of my mother, especially the nurses who were with her 24/7 during her last days. Everyone at VITAS was very professional and caring, and their communication and attentiveness was very much appreciated. Thank you again for your help and support during a difficult time.

Evelyn L.

Broward County, FL

I was reluctant to sign my dad up for hospice care. Since he resided in a nursing home, I didn't think it was necessary. He was on 24-hour comfort care for 3 days before he died and I don't know how I would have managed without the help of VITAS nurses, aides, and the chaplain. Since there was always someone with him, I could step out for a meal, or leave to get some sleep. They advocated for us and made sure Dad received his pain medications on time. The chaplain prayed with us and brought a song Dad would enjoy. VITAS helped make Dad's passing peaceful and pain-free.

Lisa H.

Chicagoland

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We’d like to thank you for all your efforts and compassionate care during our stay at Irvine Medical Center. Mom, Josephine A., passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 10th and we were blessed to have a wonderful team from VITAS there by her side. Mary H., James G. and Art C. worked closely with us during this challenging time and were there daily to help make sure mom was comfortable. Alfred was there in the middle of the night to help us during mom's passing and we appreciate your entire team. Everyone was professional, compassionate, kind and patient and we truly appreciate everyone. We’re grateful to have met all of you and will give nothing but high praise for VITAS to all we know.

Frank and Frances B.

Orange County, CA

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I wanted to take a minute to thank all the folks that took care of my dad in his final moments. Our experience with the care given was unbelievable. ... All the VITAS caregivers on the 5th floor of Good Samaritan hospital were very kind and caring. He was there the last week of July 2019. My mom stayed there day and night, and I cannot thank you enough for how well she was treated.

Gerald A.

Palm Beach County

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Thank you for an amazing experience with my father during his last days. He had a beautiful death. [The physician] took very good care of my father. He is an amazing person. He was very personable and spent time with me helping me to understand the process we were embarking on. And thank you so much to Lee Ann who was Dad's nurse and was there with us on the day of his passing. She allowed us to have our time with Dad and respected our wishes in taking longer because we wanted the prayers and blessings of a priest before he left the house.

Susan C.

St. Louis

My dad was in VITAS Healthcare's hospice care. I cannot express how pleased my family is with the exceptional care that he received. Dad's home health aide, Deidre, was not only professional, but a caring, friendly individual who kept my dad in good humor while she was attending to his personal needs. His RN, Catherine also exemplified the highest standards of nursing care. She was so kind to our family at Dad's passing. Everyone from VITAS with whom we came in contact could not have been more attentive to Dad's and our family's concerns. I can recommend their services without any hesitation.

Barbara J.

Delaware

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I am so thankful to every person we encountered with VITAS. This was a horrible thing to go through with my husband being diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer on Memorial Day and the disease being so aggressive. He passed on July 3. Five weeks and none of us were prepared to deal with this. Every single person from VITAS was so caring, helpful, understanding and gave us great guidance through the process. Those who I got to know the most were Pastor Don, Leah, Terri and Wendy. Each one of them had their special place in our experience. I wish this was something we never had to go through, but knowing that VITAS was there for us made a world of difference. Thank you all.

Joyce T.

Pittsburgh

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Thank you Kim, you are a wonderful asset to VITAS Hospice. God placed you there for a reason. You made me feel special and you made me feel that my mom really matters. Thank you.

Angela F.

Philadelphia

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I knew in advance that hospice would offer my mother, a quite healthy 95-year-old, the best care in delivering my promise to her to never leave her alone and have her be made as comfortable as possible and live as close to a normal life as possible at home. We were assigned Team 148 and every day of the week, at any hour, someone was available to help stabilize my mother. The team approach is one you cannot get through your PCP. Often, time is wasted between referrals and extensive waits at doctors' office. VITAS was there every step of the way. I never would have known all of the resources available to us if it hadn't been for our social worker, our chaplain, and our primary nurses. Without hesitation, each of member of the team provided prompt answers and made transitions very smooth. They cared for me as well, always available to talk, support, and direct me when I found things overwhelming or questioned exactly what I was doing. My mother passed peacefully while on Continuous Care at home. A social worker arrived at 2 a.m., 40 minutes after her last breath. I have never felt so close with a team of healthcare professionals. They never missed a step. They helped me fulfill my promise to my mother as I watched her take her last breath. I will be forever grateful and amazed at the passion they all have for their roles in end-of-life care. They taught me what true LOVE is.

Lorraine C.

Broward County, FL

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All the nurses were wonderful. Great bedside manner, gentle with my mom and would explain everything in a way that made it very easy to understand. They were always on time, efficient, compassionate and kind. They have taken care of my father, my sister and my mom.

Louise D.

Dallas and Fort Worth

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I have been a caregiver for my husband through a long battle with health problems. Finding the right healthcare providers for my loved one has been a difficult choice. Our VITAS care manager has been a resourceful and a compassionate coordinator of care for our family. She has ensured the great quality of care and flexibility that we have needed. I recommend VITAS to others without hesitation.

Roya M.

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VITAS is first-class all the way. Your tech ... was so kind and professional, I just wanted to give him a shout-out. You ALL have given me my husband back. Thank you again for all your loving care.

Paulette W.

Sacramento

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My father has been in hospice for palliative care at home for Alzheimer’s. But as the disease progressed, we needed more help since my mother is his caretaker and they’re both in their 80s. It has been very hard to place my father in a nursing home since he is a bit agitated and the long-term beds are not easy to acquire. My father got very ill, and I had to take him to the hospital. When the hospice nurse came to visit, I told her that there was no way he can go back home, that we needed to place him somewhere. So I was offered to move him until they can place him somewhere in the VITAS unit in Hialeah Hospital. The entire staff was helpful since I came into the unit with my father. ... I am very grateful I found help with VITAS at this time when we had no idea were to start from.

Lizzette F.

Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties

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I have never had such a wonderful experience as I had with VITAS. They were here within 24 hours of calling them. They knew just what you needed, meds and all. It was such a great way they would call for a bed, or tray table, or wheelchair — anything you might think you might possibly need, even if you didn’t feel you needed it yet. Sure enough, within a couple of hours, you need it.

Connie M.

Citrus and Nature Coast

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It is my pleasure to leave a great review for VITAS Healthcare. My mom was the recipient of care. From the beginning to the end of the hospice service, VITAS provided exceptional service. They guided my family through every step of the process. They sent out nurses, counselors and social workers to evaluate the situation and then they provided all services that were needed. They helped us through a relocation process and recommended next steps to make my mom comfortable. They were always accommodating, they were extremely knowledgeable, and they made a difficult situation very easy to manage. I would highly recommend the team of people that cared for my mother again and again, as they responded to every question and concern during the hospice process and they did their jobs with true professionalism. They were always empathetic and sensitive to the nature of the family and the patient. Thanks, VITAS, for making our lives bearable during a challenging time. You ROCK!

Candice S.

Chicagoland

VITAS hospice staff took care of my dad in his final hours. From the first coordinator who met us at the hospital, to the last nurse that was with him... everyone was wonderful. They addressed every concern and took care of everything for us, so we could concentrate on our remaining time with my dad. I highly recommend their hospice service, in the unfortunate instance you would ever need them.

Christine L.

Polk, Highlands and Hardee Counties, FL

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Our entire family is grateful and very pleased with the excellent and very professional care and support from the entire staff of Team 149. You guys not only provided the best care for our mother but were very compassionate in dealing with our entire family in this difficult moment for us. Our family appreciates all your support and we are eternally grateful to you guys.

Andres R.K.

Broward County, FL

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In the short amount of time that my father had hospice the care was exceptional. I can’t thank you enough for everything you did for my dad. His nurse Linda was definitely heaven sent. She sat all night and chatted with all of us and was amazing to my mom. This has been a roller coaster of emotions and we are still in shock he passed so fast, but you made it so much easier on all of us. We absolutely loved the whole team my dad had caring for him, but Linda, thank you for taking the time to talk to us and for letting us tell you stories about my dad. It made the night a little easier on all of us.

Holly B.

Pittsburgh, PA

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I brought my dad home on hospice. VITAS had all the equipment delivered I needed within 24 hours. They helped me schedule a vehicle to pick him up. The nurses were caring and supportive. I believe the team was 923. The night he passed I had LVN Mabel with us. In the morning they contacted the mortuary. They gave me the tools I needed to care for Dad. All the nurses were caring and patient. Thank you for helping me.

Dana A.

Inland Empire, CA

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VITAS cared for my wife in our house for her final days. I can't say enough about the care and compassion shown by everyone who came through our front door. The delivery of the medical equipment was prompt, all the nurses took care to make sure she was comfortable, and her aide Pearl was especially caring and pleasant with my wife during her daily visits. It really did make our family's situation more bearable.

David A.

New Jersey North

I wasn't sure what to expect when we brought my mom home for hospice, but everyone at VITAS was wonderful. They helped my husband and me throughout the process. I have never met a more caring group of people. Because of VITAS and their wonderful caregivers, we were able to honor my mom's wish to pass away at home. Thank you for making my mom's last days comfortable and peaceful.

Katie C.

Miami, Dade, and Monroe Counties, Florida

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The team who cared for my mother over the past few years have been unbelievably loving and caring, but never so much as they were when she passed recently. I was so impressed that they came and sat with us, called the funeral home, filled out police reports, etc., and stayed with her until she was no longer in their care. Words cannot describe how much I appreciate her team. Thank you just doesn't cover it! But I want to express how much it meant to me and my family. Especially Mary, her nurse, who has been such a blessing and support. Bless you all!

Rhonda R.

Columbus

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VITAS cared for my mom and she enjoyed with the nurses Sharon-RN, Patricia-LN, and specially with aide Ana. Their kindness, love, concern and incredible support made my mom and our family happy. They worked with us as a family, listen to us and shared our feelings during the difficult situations of my mom's life. They demonstrated very strong professionalism on their service. I cannot express how thankful we are and thanks VITAS.

Dona L.

Orange County, CA

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The consistently compassionate & thorough care given to my husband by VITAS workers was truly a continuing blessing. They were always cheerful & willing to help regardless of my husband's circumstances or disposition. I felt confident giving him over to their care which was a tremendous relief to me. Thank you over & over.

Linda H.

Milwaukee

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I’m very late adding this because I never thought to leave a comment. My husband passed away in 2011, but I’ll never forget how wonderful VITAS treated us. They helped me keep all his many medications in order. And every person that came really cared about my husband, and even me. I’m not sure if this is still the routine, but as he got closer to death, they were even at our home all night. It would have been really hard by myself since my husband passed away around 3 am. They took care of everything. It was such a blessing during a terrible time. God bless everyone who worked with my husband and me. Excellent service. Highly recommended.

Kathleen C.

Pittsburgh

Thank you so much for giving my mom the loving care and the environment for a peaceful passing. I could not have asked for a more perfect place for my mom final days.

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I'd like to express my deepest and infinite gratitude for the invaluable help and support that gave my family and my mother, during his Illness. May God multiply in blessings of light to each and every one of those who work in such an extraordinary organization! Thank you!

Carolina P.

Miami, Dade, and Monroe Counties, Florida

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I was living in Justin, Texas when I was blessed by VITAS. My husband was very ill with cancer. They were so kind and caring. Ms. Gail was his nurse. I have wanted to tell you all how much it meant to me to be able to keep him home with us and know he was getting the best care possible. [My husband] was very tough and had been battling cancer for many years. We lost that battle on August 29, 2018. Thank you Ms. Gail and also others that were there for us.

Judith W.

Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas

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This was our first experience with hospice and VITAS made it memorable. Everyone at the facility in University Hospital in Tamarac, FL, was caring, helpful, pleasant and professional with patients and family. The rooms and surrounding area were clean and inviting. We will not forget their kindness while my husband was there. Thank you all!

Carol P.

Broward County, FL

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We turned to VITAS during the last days of my husband’s illness as we were looking for any help to alleviate his pain. The VITAS team was absolutely amazing under the leadership of Szilvia Nagy and Greta Joseph. My husband received round the clock care of the highest quality. The VITAS team was available to us 24/7 and helped us through a very difficult time in our lives. As a result, my husband’s last days were as good as they could have been and his family was able to spend as much quality time with his as possible.

Margit B.

Broward County, FL

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They had just opened the Rockledge VITAS (4 days freshly open) when my Nana was moved there from the hospital. Her prognosis was 2 weeks and they made her last week so amazing! The nurses who were there for her and for us were truly amazing people! The support offered there was incredible, especially grief therapy opportunities. I made a canvas board there with my Nana and my hands making a butterfly.

Danielle C.

Brevard County

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Jeanie was our evening nurse called to the care home to assess [the patient]. It was determined that we needed to get his daughter here ASAP, as she was out of state at the time. Jeanie quickly research flights and carriers to see what we could do on short notice and she found the perfect solution to get [the patient's] daughter to the care home in the early morning hours of Tuesday, 4/2/19. All of us were with [the patient] when he took his last breath 6 hours later. Jeanie was our "Angel" that we needed to accommodate our urgent crisis. We are forever grateful!

Phyllis H.

East Bay, California